The cancer is back

[April2]

Well, the news was just as I suspected. The cancer is back. I talked to the vet a little bit ago. She said it's a high grade malignacy and the prognosis is guarded. When I asked what that meant she said the prognosis is not good. This type of cancer (it's a malignant fibrous sarcoma) has a high recurrance rate. She said it usually is slow growing but this lump almost appeared overnight and is much larger than the first one she got last year so she's afraid this one may be faster than they usually are.
She said it's a good sign that she's still eating pretty well. One of the things to watch for is if she stops eating. She said I'd know she was in bad shape then. I guess it can be hard to tell with cats when they're in pain but I will watch her and the vet said she can prescribe pain medication at any point I think Misha may need it.

I don't know how long I will have with Misha. I guess at this point I will just try to enjoy her and keep her as comfortable as i can. I don't want her to suffer so I will be watching her closely.

If anyone has any suggestions or has gone through something like this and can tell me what signs to watch for I'd really appreciate it. I'm going to look up information on this cancer. I just hadn't had time to do it yet.

Thanks for the prayers and for caring about me and my kitty.

[opus88]

aww April I'm so sorry for you and Misha. the messing, licking and throwing up can all  be signs of discomfort/pain too so its good you are going to call your Vet.
I would think IMO it maybe soon time to use some pain meds, after all her comfort now has to be a priority.
I haven't had a chance to do any extra research for you yet, but I did find on MH's holistic site there was some info from 2 Vets there that may give you some ideas esp. when it comes to her appetite...
best of luck hon...and darling Misha♥

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Holistic-Care-For-Pets/lymphoma/show/1329856#post_6132184

[zodiacqueen]

You should get an e-collar for her until your bills are straight.  That would prevent her from messing with it and give it time to heal.

Is she okay w/ her eating, etc????

[April2]

Ever since they biopsied that lump she's been messing with it. I guess they must have irritated it by shaving it and cutting a small piece off. She won't leave it alone. She's been biting it, etc., and it looks inflamed and possibly infected. I've been putting Neosporin on it but may have to take her in to get looked at. The only problem is we have very little money this paycheck because of a couple of extra bills. I'm going to call the vet tomorrow and see what she suggests. The lump looks bigger to me too but that could be because they had shaved it.
She's still messing outside her box too and occasionally throwing up. Not sure if any of that is related to the cancer or not.
I will keep you all updated as much as I can.

[29sillygirl]

Geez.  I needed to say the main thing.  Bruno had the same cancer Misha does. He also was well over 10 years old.  My vet said pretty much what yours did...he offered surgery, but I wasn't going to put an older cat though that...plus spend $:) I didn't have.

The medicam is approved for dogs in US.  Off label use for cats.  

I understand you have a busy life.  It is only now I can indulge things I couldn't when working.

We all have said it: it is the quality that counts.  Misha will appreciate whatever time you can give her.  

[29sillygirl]

So sorry to hear about Misha.  I second all comments re pain meds.  Jade is so right about that eating myth.  

Think Medicam is what I gave my last cat,  Bruno, during his last six weeks.   I fed him what he wanted: Natural Balance. He ate well, took his daily walks through apt. complex, and slept on my new Pottery Barn duvetl  The guy had standards!!!

I am retired and had noticed a growth on his hip, so took him to my vet.  He wasn't my cat officially, but I had no choice. Bruno needed care and here I was!

He remained serene throughout his illness.  I keep his ashes in my bedside table, and like to look at his pics to remind me to stay calm in the face of adversity.  My son passed away four days after Bruno, and I have wondered about the timing of their departures.
He may have been preparing me .....who knows?  

My daughter in law had to have one of her kits put to sleep....the vet did come to their home....I think it would be lovely if that could be arranged.  Then again where ever you are, Misha will know you are with her.  That is all that is important.

Ann

[LindaTX]

April, I too want to say how sad I am that Misha's cancer has returned. All you can do is comfort her and spend as much time with her as you can.  I know you have a busy life but I also know you will never regret giving her this extra time and attention...in her hour of need.  Bless your heart and Bless Misha's.   Linda